2011 Cornerstone Investors - San Angelo Chamber of Commerce

Mark Thieman
SWS Financial
Thank you for this opportunity to
demonstrate the return on investment
that your Cornerstone contributions
have generated. This public-private
partnership continues to reap major
benefits for San Angelo by providing
the additional funding needed for
broad-based programs targeting
legislative affairs, recruitment and
retention of jobs and payrolls, and
major event tourism.
Throughout this booklet, you will find
examples of the initiatives pursued and
the successes documented over the
past 24 months. Major returns were
realized in legislative affairs in 2011 and
2012; however, 2013 will continue to
see a renewed focus in the area of
economic development.
Rick Mantooth
Foster Communications
Thank you for your past and future
support. Your generous financial
support is creating a major impact on
San Angelo.
2013 Campaign Co-Chairs
Sam Allen
Jackson Walker
1
AEP Texas
AB Distributing
American Classifieds
Angelo Glass & Mirror
Angelo Transportation/Welch Transfer
Angelo Water Service, Co. (Culligan)
Armstrong Backus & Co., LLP
Atmos Energy
Automatic Fire Protection
Baptist Retirement Community
Bentwood Country Club
Calvert Collision Center
Chilton, Wilcox & Co
City Lumber & Wholesale
Coldwell Banker Patterson Properties
Concho Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.
DeCoty Coffee
Dierschke & Dierschke
Eckert & Company, LLP
Ethicon, Inc.
Ener-Tel Services
Evans, Eckert & Peterson PC
First Financial Bank San Angelo
Foster Communications
Fuentes Café Downtown
Glazer's
Goodyear Proving Grounds
Holiday Cleaners
Hughes Company
Hyde Interactive
Jackson Walker L.L.P.
Lee Pfluger
Massey & Balentine P.C./Stroman Title
Mayfield Paper
Mitchell Automotive Group
Moleo Gas Corporation
Building a
NNNN Pasiano
Porter Henderson Implement Co.
Randall Motors
Reece Albert, Inc.
Reliant Energy
Republic Services
Rio Concho Retirement Community
San Angelo Association of REALTORS
San Angelo Community Medical Center
San Angelo Motor Company
San Angelo Security Service
San Angelo Standard-Times
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association
Scott Gibbs
Shannon Medical Center
SKG Engineering
Steve & Pollyanna Stephens
Steve Eustis Co. Realtors
Sunset Mall
Surety Title Company
SWS Financial Services
Texas Bank
The Bank & Trust
Trimble-Batjer Ins. Assoc.
West Texas Medical Associates
Zesch & Pickett Insurance LLP
Public Partners
City of San Angelo Development Corporation
Tom Green County
Stronger Business Environment
2
CORNERSTONE ECONOMIC IMPACT 2006-2012
PROJECT
ECONOMIC IMPACT
CONFERENCES
Texas Downtown Association
AJRA
Texas High School Rodeo Finals
State Gymnastics Tournament
Heavy Duty Towing
Texas Blue Grass Festival
High School Football Tournament
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
61,560
456,000
45,600
114,000
30,780
91,200
80,000
$
$
45,100
1,202,400
PROJECTS
GAFB Chapel
GAFB Aircraft Fire Trainer
GAFB 400 Person Dorm
GAFB 200 Person Dorm
GAFB Joint Intel Tech. Training Facility
GAFB Consolidated Learning Center
GAFB Fitness Center
GAFB Privatized Housing
Goodfellow Express Trolley
Center for Security Studies - ASU
Railroad Crossing Improvements
South Orient Rail Rehab and Ballinger Bridge
Mutli-Modal Terminal
Loop 306 @ FM 388
Janus Project
Hirschfeld Energy Systems (formerly Martifer)
Account Control Technology Expansion
LCRA CREZ Transmission Lines
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
4,300,000
2,500,000
22,900,000
13,200,000
11,600,000
11,200,000
4,400,000
7,150,000
625,000
8,400,000
1,000,000
18,209,797
5,200,000
6,000,000
600,000
30,000,000
3,120,000
1,150,000
TOTAL
$
153,681,437
EVENTS
Elite Goat Breeders
Celebration of Champions/World's
Greatest Horseman (2012 & 2013)
3
FINANCIAL ACTIVITY FOR CORNERSTONE
FOR THE MONTH ENDING DEC 2012 AND YEAR TO DATE 2012
BEGINNING CASH BALANCE – January 1, 2012
$126,727.54
BEGINNING CASH BALANCE – Dec. 1, 2012
$121,276.67
INCOME:
Pledge Income
Interest Income
TOTAL INCOME
MONTHLY
1,966.74
4.86
1,971.60
YEAR TO DATE
71,675.00
69.02
71,744.02
EXPENSES/TRANSFERS:
Economic Dev. Marketing (58%)
Government Affairs
Community Events – Tourism (16%)
Admin fee to Chamber (10%)
Data Management – Signage
Thank You Ad
Progress Ad
Lone Star Elite Sponsorship
Cornerstone luncheon/LeGrand Center deposit
TOTAL EXPENSES/TRANSFERS
ENDING CASH BALANCE DEC 31, 2012
1,411.37
135.00
42,949.01
11,848.00
-07,405.00
10,800.00
1,364.00
401.33
2,500.00
135.00
2,179.05
77,402.34
389.34
-0-
243.34
-0-0-0-
-0-
$121,069.22
$121,069.22
4
5
6
SUMMARY OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES IN 2012
Successful legislative activity continued to be an important component of the Chamber’s program in
2012, creating significant return on investment for its members and the community. Much of the
Chamber’s work in government affairs is supported by Cornerstone investment dollars in addition to
regular membership dues.
Since the program’s inception in 2006, Cornerstone investors have pledged just over $597,000. Those
dollars have been put to work over the past six years to generate enormous returns in the areas of
economic development, government affairs and major event tourism. To date, an economic impact of
over $153 million has been documented on Local, State, and Federal projects advocated by the
Chamber’s legislative affairs agenda.
A major factor in San Angelo’s strong economy in 2012 is the growth and strength of its Federal and
State employers. Long known for the diversity of its private sector employers, San Angelo also benefits
heavily from large public sector payrolls, including the largest employer in the area, Goodfellow Air
Force Base. Therefore, the Chamber places a high priority on the needs of its public sector employers,
investing a significant amount of staff time and financial resources into legislative affairs.
FEDERAL ISSUES AND ACTIVITIES
Efforts Continue at Goodfellow AFB
Several construction projects were completed or neared completion at Goodfellow Air Force Base as
2012 came to a close. These projects are key initiatives of Goodfellow and the Air Education and
Training Command that have been supported on the Chamber-led trips to Washington DC and San
Antonio for several years. No area of the Chamber’s government affairs activity has yielded a higher
return on investment than those partnering with Goodfellow to gain approval of funds for projects
updating infrastructure and enlarging classroom and service space at Goodfellow.
The $11.2 million Consolidated Learning Center that broke ground in mid-2011 was opened in December
2012. The 27,965 square foot structure consolidated a new base library, education office, shared
classrooms, and professional enhancement into one center from locations in World War II-era buildings
throughout the base. The second of two recent pipeline dorms will be occupied the first of 2013, welcoming its first 200 residents into the 100-room, $13.2 million project. Other projects completed that
will celebrate grand opening ribbon cuttings in January of 2013 include the Marine Training Leaders
building, the Crossroads ministry facility, and remodeling of the Cressman Dining Facility.
Still under construction in early 2013 is the $11.6 million Joint Intelligence Technical Training Facility,
50,000 square feet of much needed SCIF space (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) which
will consolidate classrooms for training language analysts and other intelligence training. Completion of
the specialized space is expected in late spring/early summer 2013.
The 1st Community Federal Credit Union opened its new 2,600 square foot facility at Goodfellow in
October of 2012.
7
In addition, the Chamber worked throughout 2012 to establish public transportation for Goodfellow
personnel into San Angelo on Fridays and Saturdays, now known as the “Goodfellow Express.” Through
the support of the City of San Angelo, Concho Valley Transit District and the Chamber, a pilot program in
the summer was followed by a permanent route that averages over 500 riders per weekend. The
program was recognized by Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives as the best new program in the
Government Affairs category in 2012.
ASU Center for Security Studies
On the Chamber-led trip to Washington DC in May, community leaders thanked legislators for the vital
support to establish the Center for Security Studies at Angelo State University, a successful partnership
with Goodfellow AFB producing culturally competent civilian and military students with bachelors and
masters degrees that help students analyze, advise, and lead in a complex, unpredictable world. A final
of $3 million was awarded to ASU.
De-Listing of Dunes Sagebrush Lizard
For several years, the Chamber strongly supported efforts to prevent the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard from
being listed on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered Species List because of the potential impact of
regulations from such a listing on the oil and gas industries of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.
Following years of research, the Chamber celebrated in June, 2012 with members of the West Texas
Congressional Delegation the decision by U.S. Fish and Wildlife not to list the species as endangered in
favor of continuing voluntary conservation measures.
Federal Transportation Reauthorization
The Chamber actively supported the Federal Transportation Bill in 2012, which was approved in June
and signed into law in July for two and a half years.
Assistance to Federal Elected Officials
In February, the Chamber assisted ASU in hosting U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison’s visit to the Center
for Security Studies. In July, the Chamber hosted Congressman Mike Conaway’s San Angelo Business
Roundtable to discuss healthcare issues and possible impacts of the Patient Protection & Affordable
Care Act on local businesses.
STATE ISSUES AND ACTIVITIES
West Texas Legislative Summit
The ninth year of the West Texas Legislative Summit proved that the regional event has come of age, as
it attracted a record number of legislators as well as the highest number of business and community
representatives ever in attendance at the August event.
State and national experts on water law and best practices addressed the theme “Water Resources—
Now and the Future” in a full day of panels before 300 participants at the McNease Convention Center.
The reception and dinner on the eve of the event at Christoval Vineyards drew high praise from participants and sponsors alike. Attendees from outside the Concho Valley came from over 40 different
communities.
Legislative Update
At the October Membership Luncheon, the Chamber hosted State Senator Robert Duncan and State
Representative Drew Darby in a membership presentation that included a frank look at issues that will
8
confront the Texas Legislature in 2013, including transportation, water, financing, and health and human
services.
Angelo State University
The Chamber supported ASU’s request of the Texas Legislature to allocate funding for the College of
Nursing and Allied Health to help meet State of Texas mandates in health care delivery, particularly in
rural and under-served areas. Included in this request were both operational dollars and funds needed
for a critical deficit in new classroom space, skilled laboratory space, research space and faculty office
space created by growth in the departments of Nursing and Physical Therapy. The Chamber actively
supports ASU’s efforts to build the new College of Nursing and Allied Health building utilizing Tuition
Revenue Bonds or any other feasible combination of financing mechanisms.
ASU, Howard College, SAISD
Because of the difficulty in achieving the THECB’s “Closing the Gaps” goals through budget cuts while
serving increasing enrollments, the Chamber reiterated its 2010 position asking the State to minimize
any additional decreases in funding for Angelo State University, Howard College, and the San Angelo
Independent School District.
The Chamber continues its strong support of initiatives at ASU and Howard College through these
institutions’ designation as HSIs (Hispanic Serving Institutions). The Chamber also applauds dialogue
underway between the Commissioners of the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board and the Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission evaluating testing standards,
the 4 X 4 required curriculums for high school graduation, and expanded career pathways for Career and
Technical Education.
San Angelo State Supported Living Center
The Chamber actively supports efforts though Project Janus made possible by a grant through the
Department of Aging and Disability Services to enhance the well being and care of individuals dually
diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness. The San Angelo State
Supported Living Center specializes in the treatment of patients with dual diagnosis disorders, and the
Chamber advocates the goals of Project Janus and the leadership role of the San Angelo campus in
serving clients with dual diagnosis and their families.
Transportation
The Chamber supported several transportation initiatives during 2012. The Chamber maintained its
support for completion of the Texas Trunk System to facilitate regional connectivity, and full funding of
the pavement and bridge maintenance programs throughout the State.
Regarding the need for additional transportation funds, the Chamber sponsored a Transportation
Funding Forum with the Texas Good Roads/Transportation Association in August, 2012 to hear about
alternatives for additional transportation dollars from State or Federal Sources. The Chamber is on
record in support of State Representative Drew Darby’s efforts to identify options for producing
additional state transportation revenue in the 2013 State Legislative session.
Construction will begin in early 2013 creating Super 2 highway status for U.S. Highway 277 from San
Angelo to Sonora, creating mile-long passing lanes every four to five miles along the route. This
Chamber-supported project is a significant step in improving the Ports-to-Plains Transportation Corridor
9
from the West Coast of Mexico through the U.S. and into Canada, and will help mitigate problems
caused by increasing traffic along the route.
The Chamber actively supports the funding of railroad improvements west of San Angelo through Fort
Stockton to Presidio to bring the track operated by Texas Pacifico Railroad up to Class II standards. The
Chamber is also solidly behind a resolution with the IBWC (International Boundary and Water
Commission) to allow the U.S. and Mexico to rebuild the railroad bridge at Presidio that burned in
February 2008. If discussions continue to progress, a resolution is hoped for by July, 2014.
Chamber representatives were active in the previously mentioned Ports-to-Plains transportation
initiatives, which included meetings of the Southern Workgroup in San Angelo and in Durango, Mexico,
and the P-T-P annual conference in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.
Regarding local transportation projects and planning, the Chamber President has a seat on the Policy
Board of the San Angelo Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the transportation planning body
for San Angelo whose mission includes economic vitality and safety through transportation connectivity,
focusing federal, state and local tax dollars on the most beneficial projects for the area.
Regional Needs
The Chamber participated in an informal network on legislative concerns with West Texas Metro
Chambers, as well as with the Texas Midwest Community Network in its annual legislative luncheon and
annual training conference in 2012.
The Chamber also participates in the Concho Valley Regional Consortium, composed of economic
development and elected officials from 13 Concho Valley counties in the Workforce Board service area
that addresses opportunities and economic needs in the region, from housing to transportation, medical
services to employment opportunities.
OTHER LOCAL ISSUES
The Chamber continued to actively interface with local government, including the City of San Angelo,
Tom Green County, the San Angelo ISD and many other governmental entities. Mayor Alvin New and
Interim City Manager Michael Dane briefed the membership on many City issues, including the
timetable for the arrival of water from the Hickory Aquifer field, at the August membership luncheon. In
addition, new City Manager Daniel Valenzuela spoke to local businesses and the media at the Chamber’s
monthly membership luncheon in December.
Regarding the Chamber’s goal of working collaboratively to assure adequate future water supplies, the
City of San Angelo is utilizing a $120 million low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board
to finance the Hickory Aquifer water supply project. The interest rate on the loan is 1.35%, which will
save the city almost $90 million over the 20 years of financing the project. In addition, the 62.5 mile
transmission pipeline bid was awarded in October 2011 for $19 million less than the $58 million cost
estimated for this phase, with a target completion date of July or August of 2013. A new water
treatment facility will be online the following summer.
Military Affairs
In addition to the issues highlighted and projects funded under Goodfellow Air Force Base, nine
Chamber and community representatives visited the Pentagon, the National Geospatial-Intelligence
10
Agency and federal legislative offices in May advocating for the needs of Goodfellow Air Force Base, and
the offices of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to interface on issues important to business.
Through its Military Affairs Committee, the Chamber continued to host important individuals and
delegations visiting Goodfellow Air Force Base and San Angelo throughout 2012. The Chamber also
partnered with the San Angelo Independent School District in submitting an entry in the Altus Trophy
competition, which recognizes the best training base/community relationship in the U.S. Air Force.
Unfortunately, the entry finished second nationally for the second year in a row.
The Chamber hosted a very successful Goodfellow Appreciation Day on Armed Forces Day in May,
feeding and entertaining approximately 2,200 civilian and military students, staff and dependents in a
major show of appreciation for GAFB. Throughout the year, the Chamber provided the quarterly
recognition awards for outstanding Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine men and women at Goodfellow,
and also selected and hosted the Special Order of Merit Award recognizing four active duty service
members and one overall winner from four who were nominated by their commanders for exhibiting
outstanding professional military performance and exemplary civic involvement. Also, the Chamber’s
partnership with Goodfellow on the Friendship Golf Tournament raised critical funds used for
Goodfellow families with special needs while their service members are deployed.
In addition to efforts of the Military Affairs Committee on behalf of Goodfellow, Base Commander Col.
Mark Damiano briefed Chamber members at the February membership luncheon on base activities and
the training of 13,000 intelligence, special instruments and firefighting students per year; the Chamber
facilitated several windshield tours of GAFB for community representatives; and the Chamber helped
promote Goodfellow’s Community Appreciation Day in November.
11
Update on Legislative Affairs and Economic Development Efforts
Your cornerstone investment funds three major
initiatives for our community – economic
development, legislative affairs, and major event
tourism. Over the past three years, we have
experienced tremendous return on investment in all
three areas, but most notably in the legislative affairs.
Numerous trips to Austin and Washington D.C. have
enabled the Chamber to keep San Angelo’s priorities
in front of our elected representatives and Pentagon
officials. As a result of these and other efforts, San
Angelo and Goodfellow AFB have been recipients of
major construction dollars from federal funding over
the past several years. The San Angelo delegation had
another very successful visit to Washington earlier this
year.
The Chamber’s position opposing Sequestration was
embraced by the Congressman, as he favors strategic
cuts rather than the straight lined 8% cuts that
Sequestration would mandate, particularly in the area
of Defense since $487 billion is already being removed
from Defense over the next ten years. Congressman
Conaway stated that cuts of additional billions would
be “devastating” to our ability “to defend this
country,” and leave the military “smaller than
healthy.”
Legislative Director Paul Balzano and Military
Legislative Assistant Michael Thornberry attended the
dinner with Conaway and his wife Suzanne. Staff
members discussed future activity on the Dunes
Sagebrush Lizard and many other issues with the
participants.
Congressman Conaway met the ten trip participants
for forty minutes in his office to receive our thanks for
work on our issues, and discuss current and future
issues. We thanked him for his support of the Center
for Security Studies at ASU.
We provided the Congressman and his staff copies of
the one page summary of issues, which included our
thanks for the MILCON projects underway at
Goodfellow AFB, and the top three unfunded MILCON
requests for future years (Live Structural Burn Trainer,
Consolidated Base Logistics Complex, and Phase 2 of
the Joint Intelligence Technical Training Facility).
The delegation heard the Congressman’s latest
assessment of efforts to produce a new federal
transportation bill, and noted the importance of
continued funding for connectivity resulting in
commerce through highway construction and
maintenance, particularly along the Ports-to-Plains
route.
San Angelo representatives thanked him for his efforts
opposing the listing of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard on
the Federal Endangered Species List.
San Angelo Delegation
Fredd Adams, San Angelo City Council Member
Sam Allen, Chairman, Chamber Board
Michael Dane, Interim City Manager, City of San Angelo
Steve Floyd, Tom Green County Commissioner
Johnny Griffin, Chairman, Military Affairs Committee
Kendall Hirschfeld, San Angelo City Council Member
Jim H. Hughes, Chairman, Government Affairs Council
Dr. Brian May, Provost, Angelo State University
Phil Neighbors, President, Chamber of Commerce
12
Page 2
Cornerstone Investors Report
Prior to Senator Hutchison’s arrival, the delegation met
with Hutchison’s Legislative Director and Counsel
David Davis and Deputy Legislative Director Dana
Barbieri. They distributed the summary and
background to San Angelo’s issues of interest. Her staff
assured the group that Senator Hutchison was working
on a better rate of return for Texas in her role on the
Conference Committee for the Highway Bill
Reauthorization.
In discussing current military cost-cutting and a
possible BRAC process in 2015, Davis urged San Angelo
and Goodfellow to research what could be added to
the existing missions of Intel and Firefighting because
training is less expensive, and because of the great
support the community provides to GAFB. Davis also
pointed out that the success of ASU’s Center for
Security Studies makes Goodfellow more valuable and
less vulnerable to closure and cuts.
Senator Hutchison joined the discussions, and she was
thanked for her many years of service to Texas and her
valuable assistance to San Angelo in many areas. Dr.
Brian May expressed appreciation for her support of
the Center for Security Studies, and she said that she
takes great pride in the Center’s success to date, and
hopes that the final year of funding can be reinstated.
Of her role on the Transportation Bill Reauthorization
Committee, she said that although there were around
fifty people participating with varied interests, she
sensed a consensus to pass something and described a
compromise between the chambers as “doable.” The
critical importance of highway construction and
maintenance funds was stressed by the San Angelo
Delegation.
Senator Hutchison also noted that Sequestration
would be catastrophic for both military and many
different health and social programs, and remained
hopeful that other cuts could be agreed upon instead.
Make plans to attend the West Texas
Legislative Summit on August 28th.
Register at www.sanangelo.org or call the
Chamber for more information.
Senator Cornyn also spent a few minutes with the
delegation in his office. Also attending were
Legislative Director Shay Wester, and Military
Legislative Assistant Douglas Ivanac.
Senator Cornyn stated that there may be
widespread support for transportation
reauthorization, but that the divisive issue is “how
do we pay for it?” He stated that Texas is receiving
approximately 92 cents on the dollar from gas funds
contributed, and that the fund is shrinking about 2%
per year. The delegates stressed the need for
continued transportation funding in West Texas.
Participants also expressed support for holding
regulatory agencies accountable for their growth
and the mandates imposed upon employers.
Michael Dane stated that federal regulations create
a need for an additional 8-10% in tax revenue for
the City’s operations.
Regarding Sequestration, the Senator stated that he
did not see how the military could survive any more
steep cuts following the half billion dollars in cuts
already agreed upon. He related meeting with
Goodfellow Commander Col. Mark Damiano earlier
in the week, who stated that San Angelo has shown
the best support for its base of any community he
had ever seen, a comment Ivanac was told they
never tire of hearing. Doug stated that he believed
Goodfellow currently provided the Department of
Defense with the lowest and best costs of ISR
training.
13
Page 3
Regarding cuts already undertaken by the Customs and
Border Protection Division of Homeland Security, Doug
stated that there are no more cuts currently proposed
for CBP other than the possible Sequestration. He was
assured that the City, COSADC, and County stand ready
to participate in any facility upgrades at our local
installation for Customs and Border Protection.
Cornerstone Investors Report
authorize a 2015 BRAC process, stating that once all
of the downsizing in aircraft and personnel has
taken place, there will be “25-30% in excess
capacity” at military bases. Noting that he
personally worked the last two BRAC processes, he
stated that the Air Force has no choice but to “make
ends meet” with funds available.
The first appointment was with Terry A. Yonkers,
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations,
Environment and Logistics, and James P. Holland,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for
Installations.
Mr. Yonkers also stated that “every base will be on
the table” for consideration for closure, realignment
or growth. Every state has at least one Guard unit
that will be closed, and all states will feel some pain
from BRAC. However, he added that he believes
that no bases will be closed unless it makes sense to
close them to realize immediate cost savings, and
then added that two other factors that would likely
be evaluated would be air space and/or
encroachment for bases with active flying missions,
and community support. The age, condition and
usage of facilities should also come into play, he
predicted, but the overhead to operate our base
compared to similar costs at other training bases
with similar missions would be important.
Mr. Yonkers started the meeting with the statement,
“This has been the most difficult year since I’ve been in
this role” referring to the $487 billion in future defense
cuts planned over the next ten years through the DOD.
He and James Holland had just returned from an
8-base round of visits, and described the mood as
“austere” as cuts are being felt.
The process he outlined for official BRAC action was
a recommendation from Congress, followed by
appointment of a BRAC Commission, work by the
Commission, scrutiny of findings by Secretary of
Defense Panetta, acceptance or modifications from
Congress, and then the order to the BRAC
Commission to carry out the changes.
Discussions took place regarding the Center for
Security Studies, and Yonkers thanked San Angelo for
the ASU & Goodfellow partnership and everything else
San Angelo has done and is doing for the relationship.
He noted that Intelligence, Surveillance &
Reconnaissance (ISR) is still a growth industry for DOD,
and said that Goodfellow should continue focusing on
being a center of excellence for ISR while the Air Force
asks local communities to bridge even more of the
gaps as services are reduced on bases. The delegates
noted that the community is in discussions with
Goodfellow to augment food service on base from the
private sector, and they heartily approved.
Community representatives outlined other
initiatives underway partnering with Goodfellow,
and Yonkers and Holland thanked the delegation for
their proactive support of the base, the students,
and the local military leadership.
On the way to the first appointment, we were
fortunate to have a brief conversation in the Pentagon
hallway with Goodfellow Commander Col. Mark
Damiano and new Command Chief Master Sergeant
Scott Lumpkin, who thanked the delgation for being
there and briefed them on some recent developments
at the base since the previous week.
Yonkers indicated that he didn’t sense “any appetite
for a 2013 BRAC,” especially with $10 billion more
already scheduled to be reduced from the DOD budget
next year. However, he indicated that his group would
support the President’s request and ask Congress to
14
Page 4
The second appointment was with Lt. General Larry D.
James, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence,
Surveillance & Reconnaissance, USAF; Brig. General
Mark W. Westergren, Director of Strategy, Plans,
Doctrine and Force Development at the Deputy Chief
of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance; and Col. David A. Martinson,
Associate Civil Engineer.
A very pleasant relationship exists between San Angelo
and General James, and he again thanked them for all
their support of the ISR mission at Goodfellow. The
presence of General Westergren in the meeting was an
added bonus, as he was headed soon to Omaha to
serve as the Chief of Intel at Strategic Command.
Regarding a future BRAC, General James indicated that
he didn’t think Congress would do anything prior to
the November election, but he hoped Congress would
take action to avoid Sequestration. He noted that
there is a lot of value engineering (cuts) being made to
achieve current budget reductions, particularly where
the Guard and Reserve are concerned, for the 2013
budget.
The delegation quoted comments from the earlier
meeting in which they were told all bases will be on
the table for closure or consolidation during the next
BRAC, and General James acknowledged that, but
added that the following points: 1) New ISR missions
are coming along at a rapid pace; 2) ISR training
currently ‘starts and continues’ at Goodfellow; 3) The
remote location of Goodfellow is actually a plus
considering its ISR training mission; 4) President
Obama has named ISR a military priority; and 5)
Goodfellow’s low cost structure and the ‘can-do’
attitude of the community will also help Goodfellow
during any analysis.
General Westergren added that, “Personally, I don’t
know that there’s any risk to the base, but the more
value added to the base, the better off it will be.”
A discussion followed in which the relationship
between ASU’s Center for Security Studies and
Goodfellow was explored, including new degrees for
analysts. The generals added that there is an effort to
have captains and majors obtain advanced degrees
while working their way up in ISR, to which ASU is an
asset.
Participants noted current efforts to continue bus
transportation for students to San Angelo businesses.
They were also briefed on Goodfellow students’
Cornerstone Investors Report
participation in the flag roll-out at the Rodeo, and how
important they are to the drag boat races and other
local events.
“Personally, I don’t know that there’s any risk
to the base, but the more value added to the
base, the better off it will be.”
- Brig. General Mark W. Westergren
The first meeting was with Mr. Greg Glewwe, Public
Affairs Officer, NGA. A native Texan and graduate of
Sul Ross State University, Greg clearly enjoyed giving
the San Angelo representatives a tour and briefing of
NGA. The NGA’s motto is “know the earth…show the
way…understand the world,” and its mission is to
support GIS intelligence for national security purposes.
Much of their basic imagery and geospatial mapping is
taught at Goodfellow, and he indicated that they are
looking at expanding some of the training now going
on at Lackland to Goodfellow.
The NGA Campus East, as it is known, opened in
September 2011 combining over 9,000 people from
three previous East Coast locations in this
headquarters in Springfield, VA. Authorized by the
2005 BRAC, the building is the largest Lead Gold
Certified structure with over 2.8 million square feet.
The North and South wings are color-coded into
‘neighborhoods’ for easier navigation, and the group
agreed that it is an amazing building.
The agency began in 1996 and was re-named NGA by
Congress in 2003. They advise with data and maps; but
they do not make the final decisions on “where to
deploy resources.” The agency maintains 8 of the 12
tracking systems in the world that help facilitate GPS.
There are a couple hundred UAVs collecting up to 17
hours of imagery all the time, which is then stored.
NGA has to prioritize what it watches and stores. One
example they showed with a photo was how the NGA
brought imaging assets to bear when Ben Laden was
captured & killed at Abbottabad. They also use NGA
data for humanitarian purposes as well as Homeland
15
Security.
Page 5
The delegation then met with Mr. Ben Cumbo, National
Geospatial-Intelligence Agency College Outreach
Director, who emphasized that important events now
happen in real time without any warning. He stated that
NGA College’s mission is to train ISR professionals for the
new environment and culture that is GEOINT, and that
he is working to create four new certification levels in
Intel training by the end of September. Dr. Brian May and
he visited about the role that ASU’s Center for Security
Studies already plays and how that role can be increased
in the future. The USGIF certifies educational programs in
GEOINT.
Cornerstone Investors Report
As a result of last year’s trip to Washington, the
Chamber, City, and Concho Valley Transit District
worked diligently to establish, and temporarily fund,
the Goodfellow Express, a trolley route from
Goodfellow to the downtown area and to businesses
along the Loop and Sherwood Way. The pilot program
launched June 1st, and continues to have success with
an average of almost 500 trips per weekend. The
committee is currently looking for permanent funding
so that the trolley service can continue.
Mr. Cumbo said that the phrase “need to know” is now
“need to share,” and that in his opinion, too much
information is still classified, but it is moving in the right
direction. An interesting observation about those
currently in Intel: 40% of their workforce is now within
five years of retirement (as he is), and 40% of it has been
in the field less than five years.
Following their presentation on monitoring capabilities
throughout the world, County and City officials visited
with Mr. Dane Wilson, NGA Disaster Response Support,
about how NGA resources could be utilized in the future
with such emergencies as the 2011 fires in West Texas.
Dr. Eileen Preisser, Senior Air Force Intelligence
Representative to NGA, serves as Director of the Air
Force GEOINT Office, advising the Air Force and NGA on
GEOINT technical issues. She and Lt. Col. Monica
Patridge had lunch with the participants in the cafeteria,
along with Chris Phillips and Maj. Pina, and follow up
was scheduled between Dr. Preisser and Dr. Brian May to
facilitate future growth and interaction with ASU’s
Center for Security Studies.
2012 had been a year of building these new initiatives
and programs, providing us with an opportunity to
position the community for the future. The acceptance
of the Strategic Plan for Economic Development in San
Angelo has diversified the scope of work of the
Chamber’s Marketing and Recruitment division by
adding the additional responsibilities of creating a
formalized Business Retention and Expansion Program
(BREP). Staff, working with the oversight of the
Chamber’s Economic Development Committee, is
organizing and developing the BREP to support local
business in the community. The BREP will support the
local business community with information, direct or
indirect assistance through our economic development
partners, and financial services.
The Cornerstone Program supports the efforts of the
Chamber in multiple areas and is the backbone of the
Chamber’s Economic Development initiative. COSADC
funding has a limited scope of uses dictated by state
mandate. Cornerstone dollars allow for the flexibility in
the program that the other funding sources do not.
Staff continues to work as an ally to all businesses
regardless of NAICS code designation or type of
business through the support of the Cornerstone
16
investors.
Cornerstone Investors Report
Page 6
Thank you to our 2012 Cornerstone Investors!
Pledge Total - $76,600
DIAMOND
Ethicon, Inc.
First Financial Bank San Angelo
Reece Albert, Inc.
SILVER
AEP Texas
Atmos Energy
Automatic Fire Protection
Dierschke & Dierschke
Foster Communications
Mitchell Automotive Group
Rio Concho Retirement Community
San Angelo Association of REALTORS
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association
Sunset Mall
Texas Bank
BRONZE
AB Distributing
American State Bank
Angelo Water Service, Co. (Culligan)
Armstrong Backus & Co. LLP
City Lumber & Wholesale
Eckert & Company, LLP
Glazer’s
Goodyear Proving Grounds
Holiday Cleaners
Jackson Walker L.L.P.
NNNN Pasiano
Porter Henderson Implement Co.
Randall Motors
Reliant Energy
Republic Services (formerly Trashaway)
San Angelo Community Medical Center
San Angelo Security Service
San Angelo Standard-Times
Shannon Medical Center
Steve & Pollyanna Stephens
The Bank & Trust
Trimble-Batjer Ins. Assoc.
CONCHO PEARL
American Classifieds
Angelo Glass & Mirror
Angelo Transportation/Welch Transfer
Baptist Retirement Community
Bentwood Country Club
Calvert Collision Center
Chilton, Wilcox & Co.
Coldwell Banker Patterson Properties
Concho Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.
DeCoty Coffee
Ener-Tel Services
Evans, Eckert & Peterson PC
Fuentes Café Downtown
Hughes Company
Hyde Interactive
Lee Pfluger
Massey Balentine P.C./Stroman Title
Mayfield Paper
Moleo Gas Corporation
San Angelo Motor Company
Scott Gibbs
SKG Engineering
Steve Eustis Co. Realtors
Surety Title Company
SWS Financial Services
West Texas Medical Associates
Zesch & Pickett Insurance LLP
Please keep Cornerstone in your budget for 2013!
Building a
Stronger Business Environment
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GOODFELLOW RIBBON CUTTING DAY PHOTOS
Mark Thieman, Phil Neighbors, and
Johnny Griffin stand in the lobby of
new 198-bed, $13.2 million Pipeline
Student Dorm to house female Air
Force students.
Goodfellow students using the new
library located in the new
Consolidated Learning Center.
“Before” photos of the floor and wall
deterioration that required the
$5.2 million in remodeling of the
Cressman Dining facility servicing 900
customers daily.
25
San Angelo group gets face time with
D.C. contacts
Leaders discuss local matters at nation's capitol
By Bill Straub Scripps Howard News Service
Originally published 10:30 p.m., May 9, 2012
Updated 10:30 p.m., May 9, 2012
WASHINGTON — A delegation of business leaders and government officials from
San Angelo descended on the nation's capital this week to promote regional initiatives
— including continued support for the mission of Goodfellow Air Force Base.
The nine-member team, which arrived in Washington late Sunday, visited with Texas
lawmakers as part of an annual tour intended to make contact with federal decisionmakers and keep abreast of issues pertinent to the San Angelo area. The
representatives, consisting of members of the Tom Green County Commissioners
Court, the city of San Angelo and the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, the
Concho Valley Workforce Development Board and Angelo State University, are slated
to return today.
"Face-to-face time provides an opportunity to see how we can be of assistance to
military and legislative bodies," said Phil Neighbors, president of the San Angelo
Chamber of Commerce, one of the delegation's leaders. "It's impossible to
accomplish as much by phone and email as you can by really hearing from the
leaders of the Pentagon who work with our programs and talk to the legislators and
their staff members."
A focus of the trip was a side venture to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
in nearby Springfield, Va., the federal group that deals substantially with the
intelligence training that occurs at Goodfellow.
"It's an extremely fast growing and changing field," Neighbors said. "We met with
Pentagon officials as well as representatives of Air Force bases just keep in touch
with them and more or less talk about Goodfellow and show support of the base and
what they see in way of future changes."
Neighbors said the delegation left with the impression that the San Angelo area is
fortunate to have a military base where the two primary missions are intelligence and
firefighting.
"They continue to be growing missions in the Department of Defense," he said.
"Goodfellow serves all of the branches of the military — intelligence and firefighting in
all the branches as well as some foreign military representatives. It's fortunate we
have a lot of diversity in training base in missions that are critical right now to the
26
military's missions."
The group spent substantial time visiting with congressional offices, including a
meeting with Rep. Mike Conaway. The representatives discussed topics ranging from
the surface transportation bill currently being batted around Congress, the potential
placement of the dunes sagebrush lizard on the endangered species list, and the
process of across-the-board budget cuts known as sequestration.
Sam Ray, Conaway's press secretary, said the lawmaker "always enjoys and finds it
fruitful to visit other local leaders. The city fathers of San Angelo shared their
concerns and views for the future. They had much common ground on the long term
challenges facing San Angelo, and he looks forward to continuing to help the
community in any way he can."
Conaway believes the sagebrush lizard's potential designation "will cause needless
interruption and costly mandates for the economic engines of the Permian Basin, the
oil and gas industry, and agriculture and ranching." And while he remains hopeful, he
is less than confidant that a transportation bill will get done.
Neighbors said the group "really couldn't have gotten a better reception on most of the
issues we have discussed."
© 2013 Scripps Newspaper Group — Online
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Marketing
The economic development program in the City of San Angelo continued to build in 2012. The San
Angelo Chamber and the City of San Angelo Development Corporation forged closer partnerships
through strategic planning and collaboration throughout the year. Updated marketing materials were
created, new trade shows were worked, and new programs were introduced in 2012.
The Chamber vigorously developed relationships and represented San Angelo in the pursuit of the
agreed upon targeted industries for the community. The Economic Development Division has been in
the process of enhancing programs, strengthening local partnerships, and actively participating in state
and regional economic development marketing organizations. Recognizing the cost effectiveness of
regional economic development marketing and recruitment efforts, staff participated in the Texas
Midwest Community Network Alliance, Office of the Governor’s TexasOne Program, West Texas Wind
Energy Consortium, and High Ground of Texas.
Staff has continued advertising efforts in 2012 with targeted placements in such magazines as Energy
Magazine, Trade & Industry Development, North American Wind Power, and Area Development. Ads
were also placed in publications associated with trade shows and conferences. We have also continued
to build relationships with organizations and site selection representatives that will benefit the
community for the future.
ONGOING INITIATIVES 2012
Staff has taken leadership roles in several new initiatives to assist in the promotion of business, job
creation, and the increase in the tax base. Several of the plans have been implemented, but are still in
the process of being completed.
Strategic Plan
Economic development partners began a strategic planning process in 2011. AngelouEconomics, an
Austin-based economic development and site selection consulting firm, was hired to develop a strategic
plan that will guide San Angelo’s economic development over the next five years. Those efforts
continued in 2012 with the Chamber supporting the resulting plan which was approved and adopted by
the Chamber Board, City of San Angelo Development Corporation Board and the San Angelo City
Council. Partners participated in priority planning for the implementation of the adopted plan with some
focus changes including the priority of the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP). All
Economic Development partners have been working on the assigned tasks to implement the plan in San
Angelo. The Chamber staff has concentrated on priority tasks including Government Affairs, Tourism,
Marketing (to target industries), and Business Retention and Expansion.
Business Resource Center
A partnership with the City of San Angelo, Small Business Development Center, San Angelo Chamber,
Downtown San Angelo, Business Factory (formerly the Business Incubator), Howard College and the
Concho Valley Workforce Board has been formed to create a “one stop shop” for economic
development in the community. The facility is located at 69 N. Chadbourne in the former Coca-Cola
warehouse/ office building. Construction continued through 2012, and the building began to host the
first new tenants in November, with City Staff moving in first followed by the Small Business
33
Development Center and the Concho Valley Center for Entrepreneurial Development. Offices for each of
the partners will allow a more cohesive approach to Economic Development for the community.
Business Retention and Expansion Program
The Chamber has worked through the year to develop a marketing plan for BREP, meeting with
committee members and partners to concentrate efforts on local businesses. Staff has gone to BREP
training through the International Economic Development Council to bring new ideas to the process.
The program will be the responsibility of the Chamber as part of the tasks assigned in the San Angelo
Strategic Plan for Economic Development, and will include all economic development partners in the
community.
Trade Show Participation/ Recruitment Trips
Economic Development remains a priority for the State of Texas. In February, the VP of Marketing &
Recruitment traveled to California to spend a week at the 2012 World Ag Expo in Tulare. In April, staff
represented the community and hosted the second annual Lone Star Solar Summit. In June, San Angelo
was represented at WindPower 2012 in Atlanta, GA. November brought both the Specialty Equipment
Market Association trade show in Las Vegas and a new membership with the International Council of
Shopping Centers in Dallas. Staff continues to evaluate the attendance of all trade shows and look for
new opportunities within the target industries identified in the Strategic Plan.
Oil/Gas Industry
Economic development efforts during the latter part of 2012 have been focused on the opportunities
within the Oil and Gas industry. With new technology and discovery of reserves in West Texas, San
Angelo is uniquely situated geographically between the Eagle Ford Shale and the Cline Shale. If
predictions of the capacity for oil and gas reserves are correct, West Texas is once again positioned to
become one of the largest energy producers in the world, with exciting possibilities for our area.
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BUSINESS BULLETIN: TimeClock moves,
Walgreens expands
Peggy Arnold
Originally published 10:08 p.m., October 14, 2012
Updated 10:08 p.m., October 14, 2012
SAN ANGELO, Texas — The name "TimeClock Plus" is familiar to many San Angelo
businesses who utilize the time and attendance software created and marketed by
local software development firm Data Management, Inc. And now their new location at
their newly approved address will create even more awareness of the company than
ever before.
TimeClock Plus has just concluded a move to their new location at 3522 West Loop
306 and just received approval to change their building address to 1 TimeClock Drive.
Their attractive new sign is very visible to traffic on Loop 306. "We've moved our
entire team to the new location which is much larger than our former site and offers a
much more functional design," said Scott Turner, Vice President of Marketing.
TimeClock Plus is truly a home grown success story. Established by President Jorge
Ellis in 1988, TimeClock Plus began the development of time and attendance
solutions and marketed it primarily to small businesses. Today, the company boasts
over 50,000 customers of all sizes worldwide and 100 employees. "We are constantly
in growth mode," said Turner. "We're training new employees now and have another
training class scheduled following this one. Our new location will give us the room to
grow right here in San Angelo."
When I asked what the future holds for TimeClock Plus beyond the new larger
location, Scott Turner told me that the company has "big plans" in both the short and
long term, although he is not at liberty to divulge those plans at this time. "Going on
my 18th year with the company, I can unequivocally say that our company's future
has never looked brighter!"
Congratulations to TimeClock Plus on your success and your new location.
A 3rd Walgreens Location
If you have driven by the intersection of 29th Street and North Bryant Blvd, you will
have noticed a very large building under construction, soon to be a third Walgreens
location. Native San Angeloan Amelia Zamora will return home from her current
Walgreens post in San Antonio to manage the new store. Walgreens plans to hire 2530 new employees to staff the 14,550 square foot retail store and pharmacy, and
interested applicants are invited to apply online at walgreens.jobs. "We anticipate that
the store will open in late October or early November, and we are soliciting applicants
now," said Zamora.
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The Chamber assisted TimeClock Plus in their expansion
project and provided funding through Cornerstone Funds.
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40
41
Smith Travel Research Report (STR)
December, 2012
Occ %
2012
San Angelo+
Abilene+
Midland+
Odessa+
Lubbock+
Kerrville+
Amarillo+
Wichita Falls+
Killeen+
Longview+
2011
64.4
43.6
54.4
67.9
52.5
37.5
49.6
41.1
45.7
44.7
2012
50.1
44.7
70.2
77.9
50.3
33.5
53.6
39.7
52.3
48.2
San Angelo+
Abilene+
Midland+
Odessa+
Lubbock+
Kerrville+
Amarillo+
Wichita Falls+
Killeen+
Longview+
71.04
70.75
93.02
92.39
74.14
66.38
66.77
62.13
65.14
60.36
2012
62.4
56.5
74.1
80.7
61.1
44.0
61.3
48.3
58.1
55.5
2012
51.15
30.39
74.55
86.82
40.18
25.22
32.91
25.48
29.58
27.91
2011
35.58
31.65
65.29
71.95
37.29
22.21
35.79
24.64
34.07
29.11
Occ
28.5
-2.5
-22.5
-12.8
4.3
12.0
-7.5
3.7
-12.6
-7.4
ADR
11.9
-1.5
47.3
38.3
3.3
1.4
-0.6
-0.3
-0.6
3.5
RevPAR
43.7
-4.0
14.2
20.7
7.7
13.6
-8.1
3.4
-13.2
-4.1
Room Rev
43.7
-1.2
23.6
20.7
5.9
13.6
-3.9
3.4
-7.6
-4.1
Room Avail
0.0
2.9
8.3
0.0
-1.7
0.0
4.6
0.0
6.5
0.0
2011
78.60
73.56
130.68
125.27
78.44
74.92
69.33
65.10
68.66
64.90
71.51
72.90
87.03
82.93
76.25
74.72
68.16
64.89
69.10
62.40
2012
58.74
38.72
97.53
103.67
48.73
35.14
40.95
31.48
41.46
35.32
2011
44.63
41.22
64.53
66.92
46.56
32.88
41.77
31.34
40.16
34.64
Occ
19.7
-6.9
0.7
2.6
1.7
6.6
-3.6
0.1
3.9
-2.0
ADR
9.9
0.9
50.1
51.1
2.9
0.3
1.7
0.3
-0.6
4.0
RevPAR
31.6
-6.1
51.1
54.9
4.7
6.9
-2.0
0.4
3.3
1.9
Room Rev
31.6
-3.9
57.2
55.9
6.2
7.1
3.7
-0.6
2.4
2.5
Room Avail
-0.0
2.3
4.0
0.6
1.5
0.2
5.8
-1.1
-0.8
0.5
Participation
Properties
Rooms
Census
San Angelo+
Abilene+
Midland+
Odessa+
Lubbock+
Kerrville+
Amarillo+
Wichita Falls+
Killeen+
Longview+
24
43
36
33
56
14
68
27
35
36
Sample
18
27
19
18
38
10
44
20
20
20
Census
1956
3361
3015
2652
4930
1092
5922
2330
2427
2484
Room Sold
28.5
0.3
-16.0
-12.7
2.5
12.0
-3.3
3.7
-7.0
-7.4
Year to Date - December 2012 vs December 2011
Percent Change from YTD 2011
RevPAR
ADR
2011
74.7
52.6
74.6
82.8
62.1
46.9
59.1
48.4
60.4
54.4
2011
79.46
69.68
136.98
127.79
76.56
67.33
66.38
61.94
64.71
62.51
Occ %
2012
Current Month - December 2012 vs December 2011
Percent change from December 2011
RevPAR
ADR
Sample
1533
2185
1941
1932
3783
864
4373
1732
1649
1412
42
Room Sold
19.7
-4.8
4.7
3.2
3.3
6.8
2.0
-1.0
3.1
-1.4
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50